BARAGA COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE: The Summit Lake Fire burning in the McCormick Wilderness Area in remote Baraga County has grown to 165 acres Tuesday.
The most recent update from the U.S. Forest Service says fire crews are assessing natural holding points for halting fire progression and developing strategies to minimize the impact of suppression tactics. The agency says crews have been able to slow the spread in areas with broadleaf cover.
Aircraft continue to monitor the fire and assist ground crews.
Original story Oct. 21, 2024:
A fire burning in a remote area of Baraga County continues Monday as crews work to extinguish the flames and determine a cause.
The U.S. Forest Service says the Summit Lake Fire in the McCormick Wilderness area, about 12.5 miles north of Michigamme, was discovered by aircraft on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18.
The wildfire, approximately 120 acres in size as of Oct. 21, lies in the northwest corner of the McCormick Wilderness between Summit Lake and Evergreen Lake. The agency says the most active part of the fire is near Evergreen Lake where it’s burning heavy dead and down woody debris, with the rest of the perimeter creeping and smoldering.
The Forest Service says the area received light rain over the weekend which dried quickly with warm, dry winds. Fire crews have been able to actively slow the spread of fire. The agency says aircraft will be monitoring the fire and assisting ground crews as needed.
At this time, there are no closures or threatened structures. The U.S. Forest Service asks residents to not fly drones or other unmanned aircraft in the area. The cause of the fire has not been determined.